Confidence rebounds

CONFIDENCE among regional Queensland business owners has taken a hit in the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie, but there are signs of a rebound.

The latest Sensis Business Index Survey found confidence among small and medium-size business owners in Brisbane rose slightly in the June quarter, from a rating of +43 to +45.

But it was in sharp contrast to the feelings of those in Queensland’s regional areas, with confidence dropping to +28 from +44.

Sensis executive general manager James Ciuffetelli said Queensland business confidence was the highest it had been in seven years. “Queensland businesses remain resilient and expectations are that sales and employment will pick up this quarter,” he said.